Byron School bus driver Tori Spanbauer is more than a driver—she’s a steadfast presence, a protector, and a role model for the students she transports every day. Her life story is one of resilience, service, and community, spanning continents and decades before bringing her to Byron, where she’s found her purpose.

Tori’s journey began in Joplin, Missouri, where her Midwestern roots shaped her values of hard work, determination, and kindness. A year into college, she decided to join the U.S. Air Force—a decision that would change the trajectory of her life forever. Over the next 24 years, including 10 years of active duty and another 14 in the National Guard, Tori served her country with distinction, holding roles that ranged from aviation to communications.

One of her most prestigious assignments was with the White House Communications Agency, where she supported President Clinton and his administration. “It was an incredible experience,” she recalls. “We traveled to places like Lyon, France, and Beijing, China. It was demanding work, but it taught me discipline and how to adapt to any situation.”

After years of globetrotting, Tori and her husband—a Navy veteran from Coal City, Illinois—decided to settle down and raise their family. They chose Byron for its strong schools, tight-knit community, and welcoming atmosphere. “This is where we were meant to be,” Tori reflects. “Byron offered the perfect environment for our kids to grow up.”

In 2009 , Tori began driving buses for Byron Schools, initially drawn to the job because it fit well with her National Guard schedule and her children’s school hours. What started as a practical solution quickly became a calling. “Driving a school bus is about so much more than transportation,” she says. “We’re the first face students see in the morning and the last before they go home. You never know what kind of day they’ve had or what they’re returning to. Sometimes, just a smile or a kind word can make a difference.”

Tori’s role as a bus driver is multifaceted. She drives nearly 200 miles daily, covering routes that stretch far beyond Byron’s borders into the surrounding countryside. Her responsibilities extend beyond the wheel—she ensures her bus is safe, communicates with families, and fosters a sense of connection with her riders. “I’ve driven kids from kindergarten all the way through high school,” she says. “Watching them grow up is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

But Tori’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2017, she received a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. What followed was a grueling 18 months of chemotherapy and surgeries. Through it all, she continued to show up for her students, her family, and her community. “There were days when I didn’t feel like getting out of bed,” she admits. “But knowing I had the support of the Byron community kept me going.”

That support was tangible. The community rallied around Tori, organizing fundraisers, delivering meals, and wearing “Team Tori” shirts to show their solidarity. “Byron isn’t just a place—it’s a family,” she says. “The love and encouragement I felt during that time confirmed that this is where I belong.”

Now cancer-free, Tori has embraced her role as a survivor and mentor. “I want my story to remind people that even in the hardest times, you can find strength,” she says. “You don’t have to do it alone.”

Tori’s impact on Byron Schools goes beyond her daily routes. She’s a constant source of encouragement for her students, many of whom face their own struggles. “I try to teach them that no matter what challenges they face, they can overcome them,” she says. “Resilience is something we build together.”

As a mother and grandmother, Tori also values the life lessons her job has taught her. “Patience, kindness, and understanding—those are things that matter on a bus, in a classroom, and in life,” she says.

Reflecting on her journey, Tori is proud of the life she’s built in Byron. “This community has given me so much,” she says. “Every day, I get to give back, even in small ways. That’s a privilege.”

For Tori Spanbauer, the road to Byron was long and winding, but it brought her exactly where she needed to be. Through her service, resilience, and compassion, she’s become an integral part of the Byron Schools community—a testament to the power of dedication and the strength of a supportive community.